Western Australian Place Names #3 Quiz

Answer: Corella

The name means "Meat and feathers". Corellas are a species of cockatoo, and are mostly white in colour with bright yellow under the wings and tail.

Answer: True

Karratha is a large coastal town in the Pilbara, and has grown in recent years due to mining activities in the region. Karratha is also a good starting point for the tourist, with gorges and national parks close by, as well as the nearby town of Cossack which is being restored.

Answer: Rockhole surrounded by mulga trees

Coolgardie has a rich and interesting history surrounding the mining industry. The commonly accepted meaning of the name is "rockhole surrounded by mulga trees", but there is also a theory that it may be a variation of the word for "bungyarra" or racehorse goanna. In 1900, it had a population of roughly 16,000 with 23 hotels and three breweries!

Answer: Place of fog

Mullewa is located about 460 kilometres north east of Perth, and about 100 km east of Geraldton. In spring, Mullewa is home to some unique wildflowers. It is also part of a heritage trail paying tribute to the architecture of Monsignor Hawes, a priest/architect who was responsible for the construction of numerous buildings in the region.

Answer: Place of blood

"Yalguru" is the name of a type of bush that grows in the area and has dark red sap, hence the reference to blood. Yalgoo is about two hours drive from Geraldton, and was once a major area for gold mining. Other tourism attractions include farm stays on working sheep stations and great wildflowers in spring.

Answer: True

Bolgart is in the Wheatbelt region, and is around 200 km from Perth, near the historic town of Toodyay. The pub there was built in 1916, and is one of six state hotels built in WA.

Answer: Moon on water

In 1968, the town of Meckering suffered severe damage at the hands of an earthquake. It was virtually destroyed but over the ensuing years was rebuilt. The town is located about 130 kilometres east of Perth, and there is a display of memorabilia from the time of the earthquake located in a park in the centre of town.

Answer: Place of gold

A shrub growing in the Goldfields region has the Aboriginal name "galgurli", and the edible silky pear which also grows in the region is "kulgoolah". The name Kalgoorlie could have originated from either of these, or from the phrase for "dog chasing kangaroo", but the indigenous people of the region did not recognise or value gold. Kalgoorlie is located almost 600 kilometres east of Perth, and has numerous tourist attractions,including Australia's largest gold mine, tours of a working brothel, and numerous museums.

Answer: Yams

Bindoon is located on the Great Northern Highway, about 90 minutes north of Perth. It is a citrus and grape growing area, and a large agricultural college is located in the district. Bindoon is on the way to New Norcia, where there is a monastery, art collection, and some unique architecture.

Answer: Good kangaroo country

Dandaragan is located west of Moora, and not far off the Brand Highway. Part of the Dandaragan Shire includes the fast growing coastal town of Jurien Bay and the nearby tourist attraction of The Pinnacles.